In the penultimate chapter of "Franklin," titled "Begin By Creeping," the narrative delves into the perilous journey towards peace, set against the historical backdrop of the British surrender at Yorktown, Virginia, on October 19, 1781. The episode unfolds with a poignant scene where Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (portrayed by Théodore Pellerin), bears witness to the defeated British soldiers enduring the taunts of their victorious American foes, marking a pivotal moment in the war's shifting fortune.
John Jay (played by Ed Stoppard) arrives in France with a crucial mission: to assist Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas) and John Adams (Eddie Marsan) in their arduous peace negotiations with the British. However, Jay's directive from Congress to comply with France's demands encounters fierce resistance, as he and Adams contemplate excluding France from any potential accord with Britain. This decision casts a shadow of concern over America's gratitude and its potential damage to the nation's reputation, especially in light of the immense support France has lent to the American cause.
Meanwhile, Monsieur Necker (Vincent Winterhalter) voices his apprehensions to Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert), regarding the likelihood of America and Britain striking a deal that excludes France. While Vergennes remains confident in his belief that they cannot proceed without his backing, Necker's doubts are exacerbated by the financial strain France faces if they do not reap profits from their alliance with America.
At Versailles, Jay informs Vergennes of his intentions for peace with Britain. Adams, as ever, displays a palpable disregard for France's desires in the deal. Tensions escalate, and Benjamin, feigning illness, solemnly assures Vergennes that no one in the room will betray France, much to Adams and Jay's frustration. When they chastise Benjamin for his pledge, he collapses, revealing a bladder stone that necessitates surgery, the outcome of which hangs in the balance.
Bancroft (portrayed by Daniel Mays) convenes with Paul Wentworth (embodied by Tom Hughes), but instead finds himself confronted by Strachey, the Undersecretary to the Home Office (Patrick Kennedy), who has come to broker peace with the Americans. To Bancroft's dismay, he learns that Wentworth has vanished, ensnared by Lenoir (Olivier Rabourdin) and transported to Vergennes. In a revelation that shocks Vergennes, Wentworth discloses America's treacherous plan to betray France, prompting Vergennes to dispatch Gerard (played by Xavier Brossard) to London to safeguard France's interests above all else.
Meanwhile, Temple (Noah Jupe) finds himself enraptured by Odette Caillot (Sonia Bunny), attending her performances avidly and showering her with gifts. Their bond deepens with a tender kiss, but Odette's relentless pursuit of a role in Beaumarchais' latest play draws her into his orbit, culminating in a clandestine abortion. When Temple discovers Odette confined to her bed, the revelation of her pregnancy and its tragic conclusion leaves him utterly bereft.
Temple's descent into despair intensifies as he squanders his funds on gambling and is brutally beaten by his victorious opponent. He is rescued at the eleventh hour by the King's brother, who, recognizing him as a friend of Gilbert, extends an invitation to court. There, Temple gleans of Gerard's journey to England and is compelled to inform Benjamin, who realizes that the game they are playing has now shifted dramatically.
British envoys Oswald (Gary Lewis), Grenville (Jack Archer), and Stauchey arrive to negotiate with Benjamin, Jay, and Adams. Adams steadfastly demands unconditional independence and the withdrawal of British troops, while Britain seeks compensation for confiscated property. Benjamin proposes a bold move: Britain should cede Canada to America, sparking further contentious debates and culminating in an unsuccessful negotiation.
Adams persists in questioning Benjamin's allegiance to France, fearing it will undermine America's deal. Amidst this turmoil, Bancroft, under the menacing shadow of the escaped Wentworth, is coerced into handing over Temple's forged letter of treason to Adams, who praises Bancroft as a patriot in the highest regard.
"Begin By Creeping" stands as a masterpiece of diplomatic intrigue, illustrating the precarious equilibrium of power and the high-stakes game of alliances during a transformative era in history. This episode of Franklin vividly depicts the personal and political challenges faced by its characters as they traverse the labyrinthine complexities of war, peace, and the relentless struggle for national identity. With its striking rendering of historical events and the intricate tapestry of deceit, it captures the quintessence of a nation's battle for freedom and the myriad sacrifices incurred along the way.
